Saalihah Seedat: My Health for Life Program

Consultant Clinical Pharmacist / My Health for Life Facilitator / Coach, Accredited Mental Health First Aider /  Mentor

(B.Pharm, Grad Cert Clinical Pharmacy Aged Care, Dip. Leadership, Coaching & Mentoring, MPS, AACPA)

Health has always been an intrinsic part of my life, and my journey towards a career in this field was inspired by a deep desire to help others lead healthier lives. Growing up, I witnessed close family members who were affected by chronic disease and how healthcare professionals had the power to positively influence the lives of patients and their families. This experience fuelled my passion for health and wellness and led me to pursue a career as a clinical pharmacist. My path has not been linear but has been driven by a commitment to improving patient outcomes and advocating for preventative healthcare.

My career has spanned several roles, from conducting medication reviews to working as an inpatient hospital pharmacist. Another highlight of my career is being a facilitator for the My Health for Life (MH4L) program. Having facilitated nearly 100 face to face and online programs, this opportunity to guide Queenslanders in making sustainable lifestyle changes has been both fulfilling and impactful. My proudest achievements include supporting women’s leadership, social innovation and inspiring positive change by balancing my career with voluntary roles such as sponsoring a National Council of Women of Qld bursary, mentoring future leaders (AIS Sports Collective) and co-authoring a chapter in the book “She Inspires Leaders”.

Focusing on women’s health, especially for those over 50, is critically important. Women in this age group often face unique challenges, from menopause to an increased risk of chronic diseases such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular issues. This stage of life is also a time when many women may be caring for ageing parents or adjusting to an empty nest, which can impact their physical and emotional well-being. By focusing on this demographic, we can empower women to take control of their health, prevent disease, and improve their quality of life. Women over 50 have immense potential for living vibrant, healthy lives, but they need the right tools, resources and support to do so.

The My Health for Life program is a government-funded initiative designed to help Queenslanders at risk of chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and stroke. The program offers free group health coaching sessions that focus on lifestyle modifications, from improving nutrition, stress management, sleeping better to increasing physical activity. My involvement in MH4L came naturally as I was seeking an avenue to not only use my skills as a pharmacist but also to be more proactive in preventative healthcare. I was drawn to the program’s holistic approach, which goes beyond just treating symptoms and focuses on empowering individuals to make long-term changes.

Many Older Women’s Network Queensland members have participated in the MH4L program and their stories have left a lasting impression on me. One of the most powerful themes I’ve noticed is how much a sense of community and shared experience can drive change. Many women have commented on how being in a group of like-minded individuals allowed them to feel supported, heard and motivated. While specific outcomes vary, I’ve seen countless instances of women becoming more physically active, improving their diets, and reporting a greater sense of control over their health. These outcomes aren’t just physical; they’re emotional and psychological as well. Empowering women to prioritise their health improves not only their longevity but also their overall sense of well-being.

However, there are significant challenges that older women face in taking charge of their health. Many are overwhelmed by the demands of caregiving or experience social isolation, which makes it difficult to prioritise their own needs. Others may feel that it’s “too late” to make changes or that they don’t have the energy or resources to focus on their health. We need to continue advocating for older women, ensuring they know that it’s never too late to improve their health and that support is available.

Another recent proud moment in my career was contributing to the Queensland Women and Girls Health Strategy 2032, which was launched in March 2024. This initiative is close to my heart as it aligns with my passion for preventative health. The strategy aims to address the health inequities faced by women and girls in Queensland. My contribution involved providing insights into how we can better support women’s health through education to help people change their behaviours. It’s not only about knowing ‘what to do’ but the ‘how and why’ and in language they can understand.

My Mom has been my greatest inspiration with her unwavering resilience, selflessness and strength, always overcoming challenges while nurturing and empowering others. In my personal life, I practise self-care through creative experiences, spending time in nature and staying connected with friends and family. These practices help me recharge and maintain balance, allowing me to be present and effective in both my professional and personal life.

For anyone interested in joining the MH4L program, I encourage them to reach out to me directly (contact details listed below). The program is a great opportunity to make meaningful changes in your health, and I’m always happy to assist in any way I can.

Saalihah Seedat

Email: qldhealthcoach@gmail.com
Phone: 0404 296 297
LinkedIn
Website: www.myhealthforlife.com.au
More info: QLD Health Strategy 2032 (PDF)